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Beverley J. Mattson
Beverley J Mattson, aka Bev, Mum, and Lady of the Lake, born May 14, 1926 to Agnes and William MacKenzie, passed with grace on October 31, 2018 surrounded by her family.
Bev was a 1944 graduate of Roosevelt High School, and then attended University of Washington, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta (Tri-Delt) sorority. After college, Bev worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines.
Beverley and her husband, Glenn (architect), long-time residents of Kirkland, WA and Seattle's Lake Union, were married until his death in October of 1998. Children, Dana, Kregg, and Jami (John Surbert; Lesley Mattson; Ev Stern); brother, Pete MacKenzie; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews survive her.
During the 1960s, Bev and Glenn traveled extensively as dance instructors, golf enthusiasts, and avid bridge players aboard the Matson Line which set sail to: Bora Bora, Tahiti, Rarotonga, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, American Samoa, and the Hawaiian Islands. Whether abroad or at home, Bev and Glenn enjoyed an artful lifestyle and a vast circle of family and friends.
From the 1970s until the 1990s, Bev's wanderlust continued, leading her to a variety of tours, including much of Western Europe; and, later, to Jerusalem where, by virtue of fulfilling the Biblical injunction, she earned a certificate of title as 'Jerusalem Pilgrim'. Bev was baptized at the baptismal site on the Jordan River, soon after which a tree was planted in her honor at Israel's southwest church grove at the American Independence Park.
An artist by nature and nurture, Bev was a longtime member of the Kirkland Creative Arts League (now Kirkland Art Center), where she blossomed as a painter. She continued to hone her craft, and cherish her relationships with fellow artists, throughout her adult life. During her senior years, Bev's artistic expression encompassed everything from weekly Shakespeare readings to an occasional jazz gig, where she was known to sing, scat, and play drums. Her willingness to say "OK" to most any invitation was a testament to her spirit and sense of adventure.
Living aboard a floating home from 1985 until 2013, Bev's world revolved around community, where all were welcome in her home and all were encouraged to join her for a swim. From 2013 until her passing, the Lady of the Lake required full-time care, though her quick wit and good spirits continued to shine. Bev's optimism and laughter were contagious, and her vibrance, warmth, and uncanny ability to riff the blues will be remembered and treasured by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Bev's Colorful Life will take place in a variety of ways & locations, with loved ones.
The Mattson family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Grace Home for their extraordinary care, and requests, in lieu of flowers, that friends donate to Grace Alzheimer's Adult Family Home, 16655 SE 26th Place, Bellevue, WA 98008.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
Bev is always in my heart. I cherished our friendship and admired her greatly. I don't know where she is but
I believe I'll have the joy of finding her soon. It's helps to know that.
pam
Family
October 26, 2022
I have nothing to add to the many wonderful comments from her friends. We knew her, we admired her,
we loved her and we will always miss her.
October 26, 2020
What a joy to have known Bev for so many years. She so loved life and she so loved my adult children and my grandchildren. They loved to visit her when they were little. We all loved her laugh! She just lived this quote every day of her life: "There is Sunshine in My Soul Everyday!" Thanks for all of the wonderful 5 pm Swims in the Summer!!
Darlene Madenwald
November 2, 2018
I adored Beverly. I met her after she was widowed, and I wish I had known her all our lives. She had a gusto for living that was infectious. I admired her self confidence, intelligence, and her generosity of spirit and the way she brought out the best in those around her. She bought one of my oil paintings when I needed encouragement in my journey. I loved her. I miss her.
Pam Penning
November 2, 2018
Bev was always welcoming for humans. Dogs were off limits, we think because she wanted to keep her floating home pristine. Somehow our Frenchie, ZsaZsa, snuck past her, checked the whole place over, and left things as they were.
This won Bev's heart over to the extent that occasional subsequent visits were tolerated. And always with that great smile and chuckle, which all of us miss...
Jim and Mary Weber
November 2, 2018
When Patrick and I joined the Dox community she warmly welcomed us and often encouraged us to join her for a swim then she'd sometimes let go with a brrrrrrrrrrepapapa sort of Latinish call. We have missed her presence at Dox but have always thought of her with a smile.
Steven Hensel
November 2, 2018
She was a fantastic woman with a passion for life and adventure. The world has lost a bit of color but heaven has gained a shiny new star with her passing. I will always remember the sound of her laughter and her Infectious smiles. You will be missed Bev. Give my best to Glenn and Willie when you see them.
Victor Nebre
November 2, 2018
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